Barca Residency Academy’s teams arrived at MLS NEXT Flex with a clear objective: qualify for the 2026 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Mission accomplished.
Three of the Academy’s four teams—U15, U16, and U19—won their respective groups at the league’s premier qualifying event, punching their tickets to next month’s playoffs. The U17s narrowly missed out at Flex but remain in a strong position, currently sitting atop the Southwest Division and in control of their playoff destiny heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
How It All Went Down
As usual, Barca Residency Academy is one of the must-watch programs at the event—drawing attention from media, college coaches, professional and national team scouts, and supporters eager for high-level competition.
The U19s set the tone early. Kicking off at 8:00 a.m. on a gloomy opening day in Dallas, they delivered a thrilling performance—earning a 3-3 draw before securing a dramatic 7-6 victory in a penalty shootout over New England Revolution. That momentum carried through the week, as the U19s went on to defeat Portland Timbers Academy (3-3 D, 3-2 W pens) and Vardar Academy (1-0) to claim the top spot in their group.
Later that same day, the U16s put the field on notice with a 3-1 statement win over Sporting Kansas City. They continued their dominant run with shutout victories over Total Futbol Academy (3-0) and Inter Atlanta Academy (4-0), finishing the event with an impressive 10-1 goal differential.
The U15s matched that intensity on the defensive end, recording shutout wins over West Florida Flames (3-0) and Hoosier Premier Academy (3-0). They capped off their group stage with composure under pressure, earning a penalty shootout victory over Bethesda Soccer Academy (0-0 D; 4-2 W pens) to secure first place in their group.
Looking Ahead
Barça Residency Academy’s Homegrown teams will look to close out the 2025–26 regular season on a high note, with two matches remaining. They host Santa Barbara SC this weekend before wrapping up the regular season at home against Phoenix Rising next weekend.
Meanwhile, the Academy Division teams will conclude their season this weekend, hosting Real Monarchs as they aim to finish strong in front of their home crowd.
